Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-19 Origin: Site
Working at height brings unique risks, but aerial work platforms (AWPs) help you reach new heights safely when used the right way. If you want to learn how to operate an aerial work platform safely, this guide will walk you through every crucial step. Whether you’re managing a construction site, handling facility maintenance, or renting machinery for the first time, following best practices for AWP safety will prevent costly accidents and keep your team in top shape.
Read on to discover how to choose the right equipment, conduct pre-use inspections, and operate your aerial work platform confidently.
An aerial work platform, sometimes called a cherry picker, scissor lift, or boom lift, is a mechanical device designed to lift workers, tools, and materials to heights above ground for temporary access. Used across industries—including construction, warehousing, events, and cleaning—they offer flexibility but introduce potential hazards if not handled properly.
Despite their many benefits, AWPs present risks such as falls, tip-overs, electrical hazards, and collisions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that improper use of elevated platforms contributes to hundreds of injuries each year. Thorough understanding and careful daily practice of AWP safety protocols protect both people and property.
Before you even climb aboard, make sure you select the right aerial work platform for the job. Not every lift is built the same. Consider these factors:
● Required Work Height: Estimate the maximum height you need to reach.
● Platform Capacity: Know the total weight (workers, tools, materials) that the platform must support.
● Ground Conditions: Assess if the work area is level, stable, and load-bearing.
● Indoor vs Outdoor Use: Some AWPs are suitable only for indoor environments; others can handle weather and terrain.
● Access Requirements: Account for obstacles, narrow aisles, or doorways.
Example: If you're fixing overhead lighting in a gymnasium, a scissor lift may be ideal. For tree trimming or exterior building repairs, a boom lift might be more appropriate.
Operating an aerial work platform requires more than just a quick reading of the manual. OSHA and other regulatory bodies mandate training before use.
● Operating Procedures for different AWP models.
● Inspection Techniques to spot potential hazards.
● Emergency Protocols for rescue or equipment malfunction.
● Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including harnesses and safety lanyards.
Tip: Training must always include hands-on practice, not just classroom sessions.
Before every use, inspect the AWP following the manufacturer’s checklist. Common checkpoints include:
● Hydraulic and Fuel Systems for leaks, damage, or blockages.
● Guardrails, Gates, and Chains to confirm all fall protection is secure and functioning.
● Tires and Wheels for proper inflation and integrity.
● Control Panels for smooth, labeled operation.
● Emergency Stop and Lowering Mechanisms to ensure correct response.
● Warning Labels must be readable and intact.
● Structure and Welds for cracks, rust, or visible wear.
Document any issues and never operate an AWP with unresolved maintenance needs.
An aerial work platform is only safe if the ground below is solid and the environment is hazard-free.
● Identify overhead power lines and keep clear. OSHA requires at least a 10-foot buffer.
● Mark uneven or sloped ground; reposition the lift if the surface is not level.
● Spot nearby traffic, doorways, or pedestrian paths and block them as necessary.
● Check for weather hazards. High winds or rain can destabilize certain platforms.
Remember: Never use an AWP outside of its recommended wind speed limits.
● Only enter/exit at ground level unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
● Always face the platform and maintain three points of contact.
● Never climb, sit, or lean on guardrails or use ladders atop the platform.
● Keep both feet flat on the platform floor.
● Wear an approved safety harness and attach your lanyard to the designated anchor point.
● Avoid loose clothing or items that could snag on moving parts.
● Move the platform slowly and avoid sudden direction changes, especially at height.
● Watch overhead for obstacles like beams, lights, or sprinkler systems.
● Stop the platform before raising or lowering the boom or scissor arms.
● Respect the manufacturer’s stated weight capacity.
● Evenly distribute personnel and tools.
● Never use extra platforms, planks, or decks to extend reach.
● Use two-way radios or pre-established hand signals when visibility is limited.
● Ensure ground crew is aware and stays clear during operation.
● Know the location and operation of ground controls and emergency lowering systems.
● Never operate an AWP alone; always have a trained observer on the ground.
Finishing the job safely is just as critical as starting it.
● Lower the platform fully before leaving the controls.
● Turn off and secure the lift to prevent unauthorized use.
● Recharge or refuel if needed, following manufacturer guidelines.
● Conduct a post-use inspection for any new signs of wear or damage.
● Report issues so maintenance teams can address them before the next use.
Certification requirements vary by region, but reevaluation every three to five years is standard.
Falls due to improper harness use or entering/exiting at height lead the list. Operator inattention and overloading the platform are also frequent contributors.
No. Rain, snow, ice, and wind above manufacturer limits can compromise stability and safety.
Regular safety meetings and retraining sessions cultivate a strong safety culture, keep skills sharp, and familiarize crews with new equipment or job requirements.
Develop a log tracking who used which AWP, maintenance completed, and any reported issues. Centralizing this information identifies patterns and prevents oversight.
Encourage your team to report hazards or unsafe practices without fear of retribution. A strong safety culture thrives on shared responsibility.
Aerial work platforms provide a crucial advantage in reaching high places safely, but that advantage relies on vigilance and proper procedures every step of the way. By selecting the right AWP, training your operators, performing meticulous inspections, and adhering to safety best practices, you create a safer work environment and position your projects for success.
For more detailed information, consult the OSHA guidelines or your AWP manufacturer’s manual. Want to take your safety program further? Consider enrolling your team in a certified AWP operator training course to give everyone the confidence and knowledge to work smarter and safer.
